Environmental Permitting Manager in Bradford

Protect Rivers. Restore Nature. Shape the Future of Yorkshire's Water.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £65,000 depending on experience.
• A company car lease/allowance (£500 per month/£6,000 per year, based on full‑time employment on joining).
• Optional EV Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme available 6 months after joining.
• Annual incentive bonus up to 15%.
• Private health care (self only).
• Attractive pension scheme up to 12% company contribution.
• Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, plus two wellness days.
• A benefit package includes health cash, critical illness, dental, life assurance flexibility and partner cover.
• Retail savings scheme.
• Online GP service, cycle‑to‑work, gym membership discounts and more.

Location

This role is initially based in Bradford, moving to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026. Hybrid working: 2–3 days a week in Bradford/Leeds.

Employment Type

Permanent, 37 hours per week, Monday‑Friday.

Role Summary

At Yorkshire Water, river health and environmental protection are central to our work. We need an Environmental Permitting Manager to join the Environmental Regulation and Permitting Team, safeguarding Yorkshire's rivers, coastal waters, and communities now and for future generations. Join one of the biggest environmental programmes Yorkshire Water has ever delivered, investing £1.5 billion over five years in storm overflow improvements across 482 sites. The successful candidate will shape permitting that unlocks real environmental improvement, working closely with the Environment Agency. This role offers hands‑on experience in permitting and environmental legislation and the chance to work with the Environment Agency.

Opportunity to Make an Impact

Yorkshire Water holds over 3,800 environmental permits, including complex discharge, abstraction, and IED permits across multiple frameworks. As Environmental Permitting Manager, you will lead the team to deliver timely, high‑quality permit and licence applications, ensuring compliance and supporting capital delivery. You will manage the end‑to‑end permitting process, liaise with the Environment Agency on performance and escalations, embed legislative changes, and provide clear training and processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Environmental Permitting Team, coaching and setting clear objectives.
• Own and manage the end‑to‑end permit and licence application process across Yorkshire Water.
• Ensure Yorkshire Water holds the right permits and licences, fit for operational and business needs, with clear visibility.
• Act as the primary liaison with the Environment Agency, managing performance, resolving escalations and closing actions.
• Work closely with Asset Management, Capital Delivery and Operations to implement permit requirements and new conditions.
• Drive performance by measuring, reporting and improving permitting activity against targets.
• Lead knowledge management for environmental permitting, ensuring policies and procedures are current.
• Support the development of training, awareness and competency programmes across the business.

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience within a regulated environment, engaging regulators.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulation and permitting—wastewater, clean water, waste.
• Experience in people leadership, coaching, performance management and team development.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience in process ownership, development and continuous improvement.
• Highly organised with strong planning skills, able to deliver to tight timescales.
• Confident communicator, able to present and resolve conflict.
• Self‑driven, adaptable and solution focused, with strong problem‑solving and passion for environmental compliance.

Additional Information

After being successfully shortlisted, you will undergo pre‑employment checks, including a Basic Disclosure Check with a third‑party company, and possibly a security vetting process for Counter‑Terrorist or Security Checks. All roles are subject to a medical questionnaire and further medicals when required. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible. We offer adjustments for applicants with accessibility needs. Kelda Group reserves the right to close this position before the published closing date. No agencies please.